...wired the wastegates directly to the pressure hose when he removed the boost controller/solenoid plumbing.
That is if you're referring to the aftermarket 'boost solenoid' and not the safety boost solenoid. If you're referring to the safety boost solenoid not being plumbed in then this is definitely the case.
That would cause it to act like it is in 'safety boost' all the time (no pressure relief)